Hardware architecture for simulating a neural network of neurons

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to a neural network system for simulating neurons of a neural model. One embodiment comprises a memory device that maintains neuronal states for multiple neurons, a lookup table that maintains state transition information for multiple neuronal states, and a controller unit that manages the memory device. The controller unit updates a neuronal state for each neuron based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.

This invention was made with Government support under HR0011-09-C-0002 awarded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Government has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention relate to neuromorphic and synaptronic computation and in particular, a neural network system for simulating neurons of a neural model.

Neuromorphic and synaptronic computation, also referred to as artificial neural networks, are computational systems that permit electronic systems to essentially function in a manner analogous to that of biological brains. Neuromorphic and synaptronic computation do not generally utilize the traditional digital model of manipulating 0s and 1s. Instead, neuromorphic and synaptronic computation create connections between processing elements that are roughly functionally equivalent to neurons of a biological brain. Neuromorphic and synaptronic computation may comprise various electronic circuits that are modeled on biological neurons.

In biological systems, the point of contact between an axon of a neuron and a dendrite on another neuron is called a synapse, and with respect to the synapse, the two neurons are respectively called pre-synaptic and post-synaptic. The essence of our individual experiences is stored in conductance of the synapses. The synaptic conductance changes with time as a function of the relative spike times of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons, as per spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP). The STDP rule increases the conductance of a synapse if its post-synaptic neuron fires after its pre-synaptic neuron fires, and decreases the conductance of a synapse if the order of the two firings is reversed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to a neural network system for simulating neurons of a neural model. One embodiment comprises a memory device that maintains neuronal states for multiple neurons, a lookup table that maintains state transition information for multiple neuronal states, and a controller unit that manages the memory device. The controller unit updates a neuronal state for each neuron based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.

Another embodiment comprises an apparatus including a memory device and a controller unit. The memory device includes a lookup table that maintains information about multiple system states of a model system, wherein the lookup table is configured to provide information relating to a change in a system state when addressed by a current system state of the model system. The controller unit is configured to update system states for multiple instances of the model system based on the information maintained in lookup table and incoming data received by the controller unit.

Another embodiment comprises maintaining neuronal states for multiple neurons, and maintaining state transition information for multiple neuronal states in a lookup table. A neuronal state for each neuron is updated based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.

Another embodiment comprises maintaining system states for multiple instances of a model system, and maintaining system state change information for the system states in a lookup table. The system state change information comprises information relating to changes in said system states. For each instance of the model system, the system state for said instance is updated based on incoming data and the system state change information maintained.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example neural model, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example phase plane for the neural model in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example discretized phase plane of the phase plane in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example discretized phase plane for a neural model, wherein the discretized phase plane includes a desired trajectory computed based on the neural model and a resulting actual trajectory computed based on the discretized phase plane, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates waveforms for the example discretized phase plane in FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example coarsely discretized phase plane for a neural model, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates graphs for the example discretized phase plane in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example neural network system for simulating neurons of a neural model, wherein the system includes a lookup table that maintains a sequence of neuronal states, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates example neuronal state information maintained in the memory device in FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates example neuronal state information maintained in an entry of the memory device in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates example state transition information maintained in the lookup table in FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates example state transition information maintained in an entry of the lookup table in FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example neural network system for simulating neurons of a neural model, wherein the system includes a delta-based lookup table that maintains high-resolution delta values of at least one variable of the neural model, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates example state transition information maintained in the lookup table in FIG. 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates example state transition information maintained in an entry of the lookup table in FIG. 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for integrating synaptic firing events and updating each neuron's neuronal state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for mapping neural dynamics of a neural model on to a lookup table, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is a high-level block diagram showing an information processing system useful for implementing one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to a neural network system for simulating neurons of a neural model. One embodiment comprises a memory device that maintains neuronal states for multiple neurons, a lookup table that maintains state transition information for multiple neuronal states, and a controller unit that manages the memory device. The controller unit updates a neuronal state for each neuron based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises maintaining neuronal states for multiple neurons, and maintaining state transition information for multiple neuronal states in a lookup table. A neuronal state for each neuron is updated based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.

The neurons are based on a neural model. For each time step, the controller unit updates a neuronal state for each neuron. A neuronal state transitions to a subsequent neuronal state in response to changes in at least one variable of the neural model.

The memory device has multiple entries, wherein each entry maintains a neuronal state for a corresponding neuron. The lookup table is addressed by a neuronal state. The lookup table has multiple entries, wherein each entry corresponds to a neuronal state. Each entry maintains state transition information for a corresponding neuronal state. In one embodiment, state transition information for a neuronal state identifies a subsequent neuronal state that said neuronal state transitions to. In another embodiment, state transition information for a neuronal state comprises at least one high-resolution delta value corresponding to a variable of the neural model, wherein each delta value is added to said neuronal state to obtain a subsequent neuronal state that said neuronal state transitions to.

A computation circuit integrates each incoming spike event received. In one embodiment, the lookup table further comprises spiking information for multiple neuronal states.

A neuronal state includes at least one variable of the neural model. The lookup table is addressed by combining two or more variables of the neural model.

One embodiment comprises an apparatus including a memory device and a controller unit. The memory device includes a lookup table that maintains information about multiple system states of a model system, wherein the lookup table is configured to provide information relating to a change in a system state when addressed by a current system state of the model system. The controller unit is configured to update system states for multiple instances of the model system based on the information maintained in lookup table and incoming data received by the controller unit.

Another embodiment comprises maintaining system states for multiple instances of a model system, and maintaining system state change information for the system states in a lookup table. The system state change information comprises information relating to changes in said system states. For each instance of the model system, the system state for said instance is updated based on incoming data and the system state change information maintained.

In one embodiment, for each system state in the lookup table, the system state is represented as an n-bit digital number in the lookup table, wherein n is a natural number. Information relating to a change in the system state is represented as an m-bit digital number in the lookup table, wherein m is a natural number. For the current system state of the model system, the controller unit is further configured to add incoming data and an m-bit digital number representing a change in the current system state to an n-bit digital number representing the current system state to determine a next system state for the current system state. The controller unit is further configured to add incoming data and a subset of the m-bit digital number representing a change in the current system state to a subset of the n-bit digital number representing the current system state to determine a next system state for the current system state.

In another embodiment, for each system state in the lookup table, the system state is represented as an n-bit digital number in the lookup table, wherein n is a natural number. A next system state for the system state is represented as an m-bit digital number in the lookup table, wherein m is a natural number. For the current system state of the model system, the controller unit is further configured to combine incoming data and an n-bit digital number representing the current system state to determine a next system state for the current system state.

In one embodiment, the model system is a neural system. For each system state in the lookup table, the lookup table further includes additional information about whether the model system is spiking at the system state. In another embodiment, for each system state in the lookup table, the lookup table further includes additional metadata information about the system state.

In one embodiment, the memory device and the controller unit are on the same integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the memory device and the controller unit are on different integrated circuits. The different integrated circuits are interconnected.

The term digital neuron as used herein represents a framework configured to simulate or emulate a biological neuron. A digital neuron creates connections between processing elements that are roughly functionally equivalent to neurons of a biological brain. As such, a neuromorphic and synaptronic computation comprising digital neurons, according to embodiments of the invention, may include various electronic circuits that are modeled on biological neurons. Further, a neuromorphic and synaptronic computation comprising digital neurons, according to embodiments of the invention, may include various processing elements (including computer simulations) that are modeled on biological neurons. Although certain illustrative embodiments of the invention are described herein using digital neurons comprising digital circuits, the present invention is not limited to digital circuits. A neuromorphic and synaptronic computation, according to embodiments of the invention, can be implemented as a neuromorphic and synaptronic framework comprising circuitry and additionally as a computer simulation. Indeed, embodiments of the invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example neural model 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A digital neuron may be modeled on a neural model 1. In this specification, the progression of a neural model 1 over time is referred to as temporal neural dynamics. Neural dynamics of a neural model 1 may be expressed using one or more variables. There are several different types of neural models 1, such as an integrate and fire neural model, a resonate and fire neural model, an Izhikevich neural model, etc.

In one embodiment, a 2-variable neural model 1 with a first variable V and a second variable h may be expressed using the following equations: (1) dV/dt=f(V, h), wherein dV/dt represents the rate of change of the first variable V over time; (2) dh/dt=g(V, h), wherein dh/dt represents the rate of change of the second variable h over time; (3) V=V+dV*dt; and (4) h=h+dh*dt. f(V, h) and g(V, h) may be any function that represents a type of neural model 1. The first variable V and the second variable h represent a neuronal state S of a neuron. In one embodiment, the first variable V represents a membrane potential variable, and the second variable h represents an internal state variable (e.g., an ion-channel's activation or inactivation).

FIG. 2A illustrates an example phase plane 10 for the neural model 1 in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A phase plane 10 represents a state space of a neural model 1 (FIG. 1) and how a neuron's state evolves over time. A phase plane 10 is computed by sampling the equations representing the neural model 1.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a horizontal axis 5 and a vertical axis 6 of the phase plane 10 are denoted as V and h, respectively. The phase plane 10 includes at least one arrow 12. Each arrow 12 represents a state transition from a neuronal state S to another neuronal state S. Each arrow 12 is generated by evaluating f(V, h) and g(V, h) at a coordinate of the phase plane 10.

FIG. 2A also shows a computed desired trajectory 14 of the neural model 1. Table 1 below provides example pseudo code that may be used to calculate the desired trajectory 14.

TABLE 1 // Seed initial state V = V_initial; h = h_initial; // Execute the following code in a loop V_next = V + f(V,h)*dt; h_next = h + g(V,h)*dt; V = V_next; h = h_next;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example discretized phase plane 60 of the phase plane 10 in FIG. 2A, wherein each state transition 12 is scaled to point to another sampling point, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The neural dynamics of a neural model 1 may be mapped on to a lookup table 90 (FIG. 7) by sampling a phase plane 10 representing the state space of the neural model 1. Sampling the phase plane 10 comprises obtaining a finite number of neuronal states S.

In one embodiment, the phase plane 10 is discretized into a finite number of neuronal states S. For example, the phase plane 10 may be discretized to generate a discretized phase plane 60. Each arrow 12 in FIG. 2B represents a state transition from one neuronal state S (e.g., a neuronal state S_(current) at the current time step t) to another state s (e.g., a next neuronal state S_(next) at the next time step t+1). The discretized phase plane 60 is sampled to map information relating to state transitions on to a lookup table 90.

There are multiple ways of sampling a phase plane 10. In one embodiment, the equations representing a neural model 1 (e.g., f(V, h) and g(V, h)) are evaluated at different sampling points of the discretized phase plane 60, wherein each sampling point represents an neuronal state S. Each result is rounded to the nearest sampling point of the discretized phase plane 60.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example discretized phase plane 60 for a neural model 1, wherein the discretized phase plane 60 includes a desired trajectory 14 computed based on the neural model and a resulting actual trajectory computed based on the discretized phase plane, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a desired trajectory 14 representing the progression of a neural model 1 over time is computed using the equations representing the neural model 1 (e.g., f(V, h) and g(V, h)). Sampling points representing different neuronal states S are discretized along, or within the proximity of, the computed desired trajectory 14 to generate an actual trajectory 15. Noise may be added to areas of the discretized phase plane 60 where neural dynamics are slower. Adding noise prevents the actual trajectory 15 from entering a dead zone.

As shown in FIG. 3, despite the added noise, the actual trajectory 15 is still as close as possible to the computed desired trajectory 14.

In one embodiment, mapping a two-state neural model 1 to a lookup table comprises selecting maximum and minimum values for V and h (V_(max), V_(min), h_(max), and h_(min)). The maximum and minimum values for V and h are divided by the lookup table's number of states for V and h to determine the size of the discretized steps. For example, V_(step)=(V_(max)−V_(min))/2^V_(bits), and h_(step)=(h_(max)−h_(min))/2^h_(bits)), wherein V_(bits) and h_(bits) represent the number of bits to store V and h, respectively.

A computed trajectory is then mapped. For example, a transient simulation is computed (e.g., using Euler's method) to determine a trajectory within the discretized phase plane 60. For each timestep of the transient simulation, a neuronal state is rounded to the closest sampling point within the discretized phase plane 60. For example, p(t)=round((V(t)−V_(min))/V_(step)); q(t)=round((h(t)−h_(min))/h_(step)).

Dead zones (i.e., zones where a neuronal state S along the computed trajectory points to itself) within the discretized phase plane 60 are avoided by checking for duplicated neuronal states in adjacent timesteps. The dead zones are eliminated by offsetting duplicated neuronal states to nearby neuronal states. For example, for each duplicated neuronal state, potential alternate neuronal states are created around a sampling point in the discretized phase plane 60. Alternate neuronal states that are already occupied within some ±Δt of the current timestep t are discarded. The duplicated neuronal states are replaced with alternate neuronal states that are vacant and closest in distance to the original neuronal state within the discretized phase plane 60. The trajectory is then mapped to a lookup table. Similarly, the entire discretized phase plane 60 is mapped by computing a trajectory from every sampled neuronal state within the discretized phase plane 60. All neuronal states are constrained within the discretized phase plane 60.

FIG. 4 illustrates waveforms for the example discretized phase plane 60 in FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A first graph 50 represents the first variable V with respect to time. The first graph 50 shows a first waveform 51 and a second waveform 52 corresponding to the actual trajectory 15 and the desired trajectory 14 in FIG. 3, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the first waveform 51 substantially matches the second waveform 52.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is a second graph 55 that represents the second variable h with respect to time. The second graph 55 shows a third waveform 56 and a fourth waveform 57 corresponding to the actual trajectory 15 and the desired trajectory 14 in FIG. 3, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the third waveform 56 substantially matches the fourth waveform 57.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example coarsely discretized phase plane 60 for a neural model 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the phase plane 10 (FIG. 2) is coarsely discretized. To precisely capture the neural model 1's slowest and fastest neural dynamics, high-resolution delta values for variables of the neural model 1, such as V and h, are maintained in a delta-based lookup table 230 (FIG. 12). Maintaining high-resolution delta values generates the actual trajectory 15, wherein the actual trajectory 15 is smooth and qualitatively similar to a computed desired trajectory 14.

In one embodiment, mapping a two-state neural model 1 to a delta-based lookup table comprises selecting maximum and minimum values for V and h (V_(max), V_(min), h_(max), and h_(min)). The maximum and minimum values for V and h are divided by the delta-based lookup table's number of states for V and h to determine the size of the discretized steps. For example, V_(step)=(V_(max)−V_(min))/2^V_(bits), and h_(step)=(h_(max)−h_(min))/2^h_(bits)), wherein V_(bits) and h_(bits) represent the number of bits to store V and h, respectively.

dV=f(V,h)*dt and dh=g(V,h)*dt are computed for each sample point within the discretized phase plane 60. dV and dh are rounded up and discretized into binary ΔV and Δh that will populate the delta-based lookup table. Stable equilibrium points are found, and dV and dh are updated for all equilibrium points. The dV and dh values are constrained such that a neuronal state is constrained within the discretized phase plane 60. All binary ΔV and Δh values are then mapped to a delta-based lookup table.

FIG. 6 illustrates waveforms for the example discretized phase plane 60 in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A first graph 70 represents the first variable V with respect to time. The first graph 70 shows a first waveform 71 and a second waveform 72 corresponding to the actual trajectory 15 and the desired trajectory 14 in FIG. 5, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the first waveform 71 is smooth and qualitatively similar to the second waveform 72. The difference in periods between the first waveform 71 and the second waveform 72 is attributable to discretization error.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is a second graph 75 that represents the second variable h with respect to time. The second graph 75 shows a third waveform 76 and a fourth waveform 77 corresponding to the actual trajectory 15 and the desired trajectory 14 in FIG. 5, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the third waveform 76 is smooth and qualitatively similar to the fourth waveform 77. The difference in periods between the third waveform 76 and the fourth waveform 77 is attributable to discretization error.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example neural network system 100 for simulating neurons of a neural model 1, wherein the system 100 includes a lookup table 130 that maintains a sequence of neuronal states S, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 comprises a controller unit 110, a memory device 120, a lookup table 130, a computation fabric 145, and a sync module 140.

The memory device 120 is a memory array that maintains neuronal state information for multiple neurons of the same neural model 1 (i.e., neurons of the same type). The neuronal state information for a neuron includes the current neuronal state S_(current) of the neuron (i.e., the neuronal state of the neuron at the current time step). A neuronal state S of a neuron may be expressed using one or more variables of the neural model 1, such as a membrane potential variable V and an internal state variable h. The neuronal state information for a neuron may further include neuron parameters, such as a leak rate Lk and synaptic weights for different types of synaptic connections (e.g., Syn0, Syn1, Syn2, Syn3).

The controller unit 110 manages all synaptic inputs received. In one embodiment, the controller unit 110 receives incoming spike events targeting neurons of the system 100. Each incoming spike event is tagged with information identifying a target neuron for said spike event, and a type of synaptic connection that said spike event was received from.

The computation fabric 145 integrates each incoming spike event received.

The sync module 140 generates synchronization signals for the controller unit 110. The controller unit 110 sequentially updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of each neuron of the system 100 when the controller unit 110 receives a synchronization signal.

The lookup table 130 maintains state transition information for a finite number of neuronal states S. Specifically, the lookup table 130 maintains a sequence of neuronal states S. The state transition information for each neuronal state S identifies a next neuronal state S_(next) (i.e., a subsequent neuronal state) that said state s transitions to. A neuronal state S is used to address (i.e., index) the lookup table 130. For example, the lookup table 130 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of the membrane potential variable V with the most significant bits of the internal state variable h.

In one embodiment, for each incoming spike event received in a current time step t, the controller unit 110 sends a read request to the memory device 120 for the following neuron parameters: the membrane potential variable V of a target neuron in the current time step t, and the synaptic weight for the type of synaptic connection that said spike event was received from. The computation fabric 145 generates a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ for the target neuron by adding the synaptic weight to the membrane potential variable V (i.e., integrating the spike event). The controller unit 110 writes the modified membrane potential variable V′ to the memory device 120.

The memory device 120 is read out sequentially when the controller unit 110 receives a synchronization signal. For each neuron of the system 100, the controller unit 110 sends a read request to the memory device 120 for the membrane potential variable V of the neuron, the internal state variable h of the neuron, and the leak rate Lk of the neuron. The computation fabric 145 generates a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ for the neuron by adding the leak rate Lk to the membrane potential variable V.

The modified membrane potential variable V⁺ and the internal state variable h provide the current neuronal state S_(current) of the neuron. To obtain state transition information for the current neuronal state S_(current), the lookup table 130 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ with the most significant bits of the internal state variable h.

The lookup table 130 provides an updated membrane potential variable V′ and an updated internal state variable h′, wherein the variables V′ and h′ identify a next neuronal state S_(next) that the current neuronal state S_(current) transitions to. The controller unit 110 writes the updated membrane potential variable V′ and the updated internal state variable h′ to the memory device 120.

The lookup table 130 also provides an outgoing spike event if the current neuronal state S_(current) generates a spike event. The membrane potential variable V for the neuron may be reset to zero if the current neuronal state S_(current) generates a spike event.

In another embodiment, each incoming spike event received is buffered. For each neuron of the system 100, the controller unit 110 sends a read request to the memory device 120 for neuronal state information corresponding to said neuron. Based on the neuronal state information for said neuron, the computation fabric 145 integrates all incoming spike events targeting said neuron at once to generate a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ for said neuron. The modified membrane potential variable V⁺ and the internal state variable h for said neuron are then used to address the lookup table 130 to obtain state transition information for said neuron.

As shown in FIG. 7, the computation circuit 145 comprises a first multiplexer 150, an adder 160, a demultiplexer 170, and a second multiplexer 180. The first multiplexer 150 selects between a leak rate Lk and a synaptic weight for a type of synaptic connection (syn[type]). The first multiplexer 150 selects a synaptic weight for a synaptic connection when the system 100 integrates an incoming spike event. The first multiplexer 150 selects a leak rate Lk when the system 100 updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of a neuron (i.e., after all incoming spike events have been integrated).

The adder 160 applies a synaptic weight for a type of synaptic connection when the system 100 integrates an incoming spike event. The adder 160 applies a leak rate Lk to a membrane potential variable V when the system 100 updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of a neuron.

The demultiplexer 170 provides a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ computed by the adder 160 to the second multiplexer 180 and the lookup table 130. To obtain state transition information for a current neuronal state S_(current), the lookup table 130 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ and the most significant bits of the internal state variable h.

The second multiplexer 180 selects between a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ provided by the demultiplexer 170 and an updated membrane potential variable V′ provided by the lookup table 130. The second multiplexer 180 selects a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ when the system 100 integrates each incoming spike event received. The second multiplexer 180 selects an updated membrane potential variable V′ when the system 200 updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of a neuron.

In one example implementation, the memory device 120 maintains neuronal state information for about 256 neurons. The size of the memory device 120 is about 256×60 bits, wherein each neuron has 60 bits of corresponding neuronal state information. In another example implementation, the size of the memory device 120 is about 256×150 bits, wherein each neuron has 150 bits of corresponding neuronal state information.

In one example implementation, the lookup table 130 is addressed by combining the 5 most significant bits of the membrane potential variable V and the 5 most significant bits of the internal state h. The lookup table 130 maintains state transition information for about 1024 neuronal states S of a neural model 1. The size of the lookup table 130 is about 1024×11 bits, wherein each neuronal state S has 11 bits of corresponding state transition information. The corresponding state transition information for each neuronal state S includes 5 bits of an updated membrane potential variable V′, 5 bits of an updated internal state variable h′, and 1 bit indicating whether an outgoing spike event is generated, wherein V′ and h′ express a next neuronal state S_(next).

Table 2 below provides example pseudo code, demonstrating the execution of the system 100.

TABLE 2 // Step 1: Handle all synaptic inputs for n=0 to num_synaptic_inputs − 1 if spike(n) then nLUT[n].state.V += syn[type]; // Step 2: Sync: Update all neurons' state for n=0 to num_neurons − 1 nLUT[n].state.V += nLUT[n].Lk; nLUT[n].state = dLUT[ nLUT[n].state ];

FIG. 8 illustrates example neuronal state information maintained in the memory device 120 in FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As stated above, the memory device 120 maintains neuronal state information for multiple neurons. The memory device 120 is organized into multiple entries 121. Each entry 121 maintains neuronal state information for a corresponding neuron.

FIG. 9 illustrates example neuronal state information maintained in an entry 121 of the memory device 120 in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, each entry 121 corresponding to a neuron maintains at least one variable of a neural model 1, such as a membrane potential variable V and an internal state variable h. The membrane potential variable V of a neuron and the internal state variable h of the neuron provides the current neuronal state S_(current) of the neuron.

Each entry 121 corresponding to a neuron may further include neuron parameters, such as a leak rate Lk of the neuron, synaptic weights for different types of synaptic connections (e.g., Syn0, Syn1, Syn2, Syn3), and other neuron parameters for complex neural models.

FIG. 10 illustrates example state transition information maintained in the lookup table 130 in FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As stated above, the lookup table 130 maintains state transition information for a finite number of neuronal states S. The lookup table 130 is organized into multiple entries 131. Each entry 131 maintains state transition information for a corresponding neuronal state S. The state transition information for each neuronal state S identifies a next neuronal state S_(next) (i.e., subsequent neuronal state) that said state s transitions to.

The lookup table 130 is addressed by a neuronal state S. As stated above, a neuronal state of a neuron may be expressed using a membrane potential variable V and an internal state variable h of the neuron. As such, in one embodiment, the lookup table 130 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of a membrane potential variable V with the most significant bits of an internal state variable h.

FIG. 11 illustrates example state transition information maintained in an entry 131 of the lookup table 130 in FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, each entry 131 corresponding to a neuronal state S identifies a next neuronal state S_(next) that said neuronal state S transitions to. As stated above, in one embodiment, a neuronal state S may be expressed using a membrane potential variable V and an internal state variable h. Therefore, each entry 131 maintains a membrane potential variable V_(next) and an internal state variable h_(next), wherein V_(next) and h_(next) express a next neuronal state S_(next).

Each entry 131 may further maintain spiking information indicating whether a corresponding neuronal state S generates an outgoing spike event.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example neural network system 200 for simulating neurons of a neural model 1, wherein the system 200 includes a delta-based lookup table 230 that maintains high-resolution delta values of at least one variable of the neural model 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 200 comprises a controller unit 110, a memory device 120, a delta-based lookup table 230, a computation fabric 145, a sync module 240, a first adder 295, and a second adder 296.

The memory device 120 is a memory array that maintains neuronal state information for multiple neurons of the same neural model 1 (i.e., neurons of the same type). The neuronal state information for a neuron includes the current neuronal state S_(current) of the neuron (i.e., the neuronal state of the neuron at the current time step). A neuronal state S of a neuron may be expressed using one or more variables of the neural model 1, such as a membrane potential variable V and an internal state variable h. The neuronal state information for a neuron may further include neuron parameters, such as a leak rate Lk and synaptic weights for different types of synaptic connections (e.g., Syn0, Syn1, Syn2, Syn3).

The controller unit 110 manages all synaptic inputs received. In one embodiment, the controller unit 110 receives incoming spike events targeting neurons of the system 200. Each incoming spike event is tagged with information identifying a target neuron for said spike event, and a type of synaptic connection that said spike event was received from.

The computation fabric 145 integrates each incoming spike event received.

The sync module 240 generates synchronization signals for the controller unit 110. The controller unit 110 sequentially updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of each neuron of the system 200 when the controller unit 110 receives a synchronization signal.

The delta-based lookup table 230 maintains state transition information for a finite number of neuronal states S. Specifically, the delta-based lookup table 230 maintains high-resolution delta values of one or more variables of the neural model 1. The high-resolution delta values maintained in the delta-based lookup table 230 allows the system 200 to capture both the slowest and the fastest neural dynamics of the neural model 1. As described in detail later herein, the system 200 determines a next neuronal state S_(next) for a current neuronal state S_(current) based on the high-resolution delta values maintained in the delta-based lookup table 230 for the current neuronal state S_(current).

In one embodiment, the delta-based lookup table 230 maintains high-resolution delta values of the membrane potential variable V (i.e., ΔV) and high-resolution delta values of the internal state variable h (i.e., Δh). A neuronal state S is used to address (i.e., index) the delta-based lookup table 230. For example, the delta-based lookup table 230 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of the membrane potential variable V with the most significant bits of the internal state variable h.

For each incoming spike event received in a current time step t, the controller unit 110 sends a read request to the memory device 120 for the following neuron parameters: the membrane potential variable V of a target neuron, and the synaptic weight for type of synaptic connection that said spike event was received from. The computation fabric 145 generates a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ for the target neuron by adding the synaptic weight to the membrane potential variable V (i.e., integrating the spike event). The controller unit 110 writes the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ to the memory device 120.

The memory device 120 is read out sequentially when the controller unit 110 receives a synchronization signal. For each neuron of the system 200, the controller unit 110 sends a read request to the memory device 120 for the membrane potential variable V of the neuron, the internal state variable h of the neuron, and the leak rate Lk of the neuron. The computation fabric 145 generates a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ for the neuron by adding the leak rate Lk to the membrane potential variable V.

The modified membrane potential variable V⁺ and the internal state variable h provide the current neuronal state S_(current) of the neuron. To obtain state transition information for the current neuronal state S_(current), the delta-based lookup table 230 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ with the most significant bits of the internal state variable h.

The state transition information for the current neuronal state S_(current) includes a high-resolution delta membrane potential variable ΔV and a high-resolution delta internal state variable Δh. The system 200 determines a next neuronal state S_(next) for the current neuronal state S_(current) using the delta membrane potential variable ΔV and the delta internal state variable Δh. Specifically, the first adder 295 provides an updated membrane potential variable V′ by adding the delta membrane potential variable ΔV to the modified membrane potential variable V⁺. The second adder 296 provides an updated internal state variable h′ by adding the delta internal state variable Δh to the internal state variable h.

The updated membrane potential variable V′ and the updated internal state variable h′ provide the next neuronal state S_(t+1) of the neuron. The controller unit 110 writes the updated membrane potential variable V′ and the updated internal state variable h′ to the memory device 120.

The lookup table 230 also provides an outgoing spike event if the current neuronal state S_(current) generates a spike event. The membrane potential variable V for the neuron may be reset to zero if the current neuronal state S_(current) generates a spike event.

In another embodiment, each incoming spike event received is buffered. For each neuron of the system 100, the controller unit 110 sends a read request to the memory device 120 for neuronal state information corresponding to said neuron. Based on the neuronal state information for said neuron, the computation fabric 145 integrates all incoming spike events targeting said neuron at once to generate a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ for said neuron. The modified membrane potential variable V⁺ and the internal state variable h for said neuron are then used to address the lookup table 230 to obtain state transition information for said neuron.

As shown in FIG. 12, the computation circuit 145 comprises a first multiplexer 150, a third adder 160, a first demultiplexer 170, and a second multiplexer 180. The first multiplexer 150 selects between a leak rate Lk and a synaptic weight for a type of synaptic connection (syn[type]). The first multiplexer 150 selects a synaptic weight for a type of synaptic connection when the system 200 integrates an incoming spike event. The first multiplexer 150 selects a leak rate Lk when the system 200 updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of a neuron (i.e., after all incoming spike events have been integrated).

The third adder 160 applies a synaptic weight for a type of synaptic connection to a membrane potential variable V when the system 200 integrates an incoming spike event. The third adder 160 applies a leak rate Lk to a membrane potential variable V when the system 200 updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of a neuron.

The first demultiplexer 170 provides a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ computed by the third adder 160 to the second multiplexer 180 and a second demultiplexer 285. The second demultiplexer 285 provides the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ to the second adder 296 and the most significant bits of the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ to the delta-based lookup table 230. A third demultiplexer 290 provides the internal state variable h to the first adder 295 and the most significant bits of the internal state variable h to the delta-based lookup table 230. To obtain state transition information for a current neuronal state S_(current), the delta-based lookup table 230 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of the modified membrane potential variable V⁺ and the most significant bits of the internal state variable h.

The second multiplexer 180 selects between a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ provided by the first demultiplexer 170 and an updated membrane potential variable V′ provided by the second adder 296. The second multiplexer 180 selects a modified membrane potential variable V⁺ when the system 200 integrates each incoming spike event. The second multiplexer 180 selects an updated membrane potential variable V′ when the system 200 updates the current neuronal state S_(current) of a neuron.

In one example implementation, the memory device 120 maintains neuronal state information for about 256 neurons. The size of the memory device 120 is about 256×60 bits, wherein each neuron has 60 bits of corresponding neuronal state information.

In one example implementation, the delta-based lookup table 230 is addressed by combining the 5 most significant bits of the membrane potential variable V and the 5 most significant bits of the internal state h. The delta-based lookup table 130 maintains state transition information for about 1024 neuronal states of a neural model 1. The size of the lookup table 130 is about 1024×21 bits, wherein each neuronal state has 21 bits of corresponding state transition information. The corresponding state transition information for each neuronal state includes 10 bits of a delta membrane potential variable ΔV, 10 bits of a delta internal state variable Δh, and 1 bit indicating whether an outgoing spike event is generated.

Table 3 below provides example pseudo code, demonstrating the execution of the system 100.

TABLE 3 // Step 1: Handle all synaptic inputs for n=0 to num_synaptic_inputs − 1 if spike(n) then nLUT[n].state.V += syn[type]; // Step 2:Sync: Update all neuron's states for n=0 to num_neurons − 1 state =nLUT[n].state nLUT[n].state.V += dLUT[ state ].ΔV + nLUT[n].Lk; nLUT[n].state.h += dLUT[ state ].Δh;

FIG. 13 illustrates example state transition information maintained in the lookup table 230 in FIG. 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As stated above, the lookup table 230 maintains state transition information for a finite number of neuronal states S. The lookup table 230 is organized into multiple entries 231. Each entry 231 maintains state transition information for a corresponding neuronal state S.

The lookup table 230 is addressed by a neuronal state S. As stated above, a neuronal state of a neuron may be expressed using a membrane potential variable V and an internal state variable h of the neuron. As such, in one embodiment, the lookup table 230 is addressed by combining the most significant bits of a membrane potential variable V with the most significant bits of an internal state variable h.

FIG. 14 illustrates example state transition information maintained in an entry 231 of the lookup table 230 in FIG. 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, each entry 231 corresponding to a neuronal state S provides a high-resolution delta membrane potential variable ΔV and a high-resolution delta internal state variable Δh. The system 200 determines a next neuronal state S_(next) for a neuronal state S using the delta membrane potential variable ΔV and the delta internal state variable Δh corresponding to the neuronal state S.

Each entry 231 may further maintain spiking information indicating whether a corresponding neuronal state S generates an outgoing spike event.

In one embodiment, a LUT 130, 230 is multiplexed to service all neurons that the memory device 120 maintains neuronal state information for, such that the same LUT 130, 230 is used to describe the neural dynamics of the neurons. The neurons may be configured to exhibit different neural dynamics by configuring at least one neuron parameter (e.g., the leak rate Lk) corresponding to each neuron.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 800 for integrating synaptic firing events and updating each neuron's state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In process block 801, the system receives incoming firing events. In process block 802, the system determines whether a new time step has begun. If a new time step has not begun, return to process block 802. If a new time step has begun, proceed to process block 803 wherein incoming firing events for the current time step are integrated. In process block 804, determine whether a synchronization signal has been received. If a synchronization signal has not been received, return to process block 804. If a synchronization signal has been received, proceed to process block 805 wherein each neuron's neuronal state is sequentially updated. After process block 805, return to process block 801.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 899 for mapping neural dynamics of a neural model on to a lookup table, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In process block 900, a neuronal model to a two-variable neuronal model is mapped. In process block 901, a phase plane for a neural model is defined. In process block 902, the phase plane to obtain state transition information for multiple neuronal states is coarsely sampled. In process block 903, the state transition information on to a lookup table is mapped.

FIG. 17 is a high level block diagram showing an information processing system 300 useful for implementing one embodiment of the invention. The computer system includes one or more processors, such as processor 302. The processor 302 is connected to a communication infrastructure 304 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network).

The computer system can include a display interface 306 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 304 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 308. The computer system also includes a main memory 310, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 312. The secondary memory 312 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 314 and/or a removable storage drive 316, representing, for example, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or an optical disk drive. The removable storage drive 316 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 318 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Removable storage unit 318 represents, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, a magnetic tape, or an optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive 316. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 318 includes a computer readable medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory 312 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 320 and an interface 322. Examples of such means may include a program package and package interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 320 and interfaces 322, which allows software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 320 to the computer system.

The computer system may also include a communication interface 324. Communication interface 324 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. Examples of communication interface 324 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, or a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communication interface 324 are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communication interface 324. These signals are provided to communication interface 324 via a communication path (i.e., channel) 326. This communication path 326 carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, and/or other communication channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as main memory 310 and secondary memory 312, removable storage drive 316, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 314.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory 310 and/or secondary memory 312. Computer programs may also be received via communication interface 324. Such computer programs, when run, enable the computer system to perform the features of the present invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when run, enable the processor 302 to perform the features of the computer system. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system.

From the above description, it can be seen that the present invention provides a system, computer program product, and method for implementing the embodiments of the invention. The present invention further provides a non-transitory computer-useable storage medium for hierarchical routing and two-way information flow with structural plasticity in neural networks. The non-transitory computer-useable storage medium has a computer-readable program, wherein the program upon being processed on a computer causes the computer to implement the steps of the present invention according to the embodiments described herein. References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A neural network system, comprising: a memory device that maintains neuronal states for multiple neurons; a lookup table that maintains state transition information for multiple neuronal states, wherein said state transition information for said multiple neuronal states includes a sequence of neuronal states, and wherein said sequence identifies, for at least one neuronal state of said multiple neuronal states, a subsequent neuronal state that said at least one neuronal state transitions to; and a controller unit that manages said memory device, wherein said controller unit updates a neuronal state for each neuron based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.
 2. The neural network system of claim 1, wherein: said neurons are based on a neural model; and for each time step, said controller unit updates a neuronal state for each neuron.
 3. The neural network system of claim 2, wherein: a neuronal state transitions to a subsequent neuronal state in response to changes in at least one variable of said neural model.
 4. The neural network system of claim 3, wherein: said memory device has multiple entries, wherein each entry maintains a neuronal state for a corresponding neuron.
 5. The neural network system of claim 4, wherein: said lookup table is addressed by a neuronal state.
 6. The neural network system of claim 5, wherein: said lookup table has multiple entries, wherein each entry corresponds to a neuronal state; and each entry maintains state transition information for a corresponding neuronal state, wherein said state transition information identifies a subsequent neuronal state for said neuronal state.
 7. The neural network system of claim 5, wherein: said lookup table has multiple entries, wherein each entry corresponds to a neuronal state; and each entry maintains state transition information for a corresponding neuronal state, wherein said state transition information comprises at least one high-resolution delta value corresponding to a variable of said neural model.
 8. The neural network system of claim 7, wherein: the system adds each delta value for a neuronal state to said neuronal state to obtain a subsequent neuronal state.
 9. The neural network system of claim 5, wherein: said lookup table further comprises spiking information for multiple neuronal states.
 10. The neural network system of claim 5, wherein: a neuronal state includes at least one variable of said neural model.
 11. The neural network system of claim 10, wherein: said lookup table is addressed by combining two or more variables of said neural model.
 12. The neural network system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises: a computation circuit for integrating each incoming spike event received.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a memory device including a lookup table that maintains information about multiple system states of a model system, wherein said lookup table is configured to provide information relating to a change in a system state when addressed by a current system state of said model system; and a controller unit configured to update system states for multiple instances of said model system based on said information maintained in lookup table and incoming data received by said controller unit.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: for each system state in said lookup table: said system state is represented as an n-bit digital number in said lookup table, wherein n is a natural number; and information relating to a change in said system state is represented as an m-bit digital number in said lookup table, wherein m is a natural number; wherein, for said current system state of said model system, said controller unit is further configured to add incoming data and an m-bit digital number representing a change in said current system state to an n-bit digital number representing said current system state to determine a next system state for said current system state.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: said controller unit is further configured to add incoming data and a subset of said m-bit digital number representing a change in said current system state to a subset of said n-bit digital number representing said current system state to determine a next system state for said current system state.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: for each system state in said lookup table: said system state is represented as an n-bit digital number in said lookup table, wherein n is a natural number; and a next system state for said system state is represented as an m-bit digital number in said lookup table, wherein m is a natural number; wherein, for said current system state of said model system, said controller unit is further configured to combine incoming data and an n-bit digital number representing said current system state to determine a next system state for said current system state.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: said model system is a neural system.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: for each system state in said lookup table, said lookup table further includes additional information about whether said model system is spiking at said system state.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: for each system state in said lookup table, said lookup table further includes additional metadata information about said system state.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: an integrated circuit that includes both said memory device and said controller unit.
 21. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a first integrated circuit that includes said memory device; and a second integrated circuit that includes said controller unit; wherein said first and said second integrated circuits are interconnected.
 22. A method, comprising: maintaining neuronal states for multiple neurons; maintaining state transition information for multiple neuronal states in a lookup table, wherein said state transition information for said multiple neuronal states includes a sequence of neuronal states, and wherein said sequence identifies, for at least one neuronal state of said multiple neuronal states, a subsequent neuronal state that said at least one neuronal state transitions to; and updating a neuronal state for each neuron based on incoming spike events targeting said neuron and state transition information corresponding to said neuronal state.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein: said neurons are based on a neural model; and a neuronal state transitions to a subsequent neuronal state in response to changes in at least one variable of said neural model.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: addressing said lookup table by a neuronal state.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: for each neuronal state, maintaining state transition information identifying a subsequent neuronal state that said neuronal state transitions to.
 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising: for each neuronal state, maintaining state transition information comprising at least one high-resolution delta value corresponding to a variable of said neural model; wherein each delta value for a neuronal state is added to said neuronal state to obtain a subsequent neuronal state that said neuronal state transitions to.
 27. A method, comprising: maintaining system states for multiple instances of a model system; maintaining system state change information for said system states in a lookup table, wherein said system state change information comprises a sequence of system states, and wherein said sequence identifies, for at least one system state of said system states, a subsequent system state that said at least one system state transitions to; and for each instance of said model system, updating said system state for said instance based on incoming data and said system state change information maintained. 